4 Listen, my sons,^(A) to a father’s instruction;^(B)
    pay attention and gain understanding.^(C)
2 I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching.
³ For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴ Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold^(D) of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.^(E)
5 Get wisdom,^(F) get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;^(G)
    love her, and she will watch over you.^(H)
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all^(I) you have,^[b] get understanding.^(J)

5 My son,^(A) pay attention to my wisdom,
    turn your ear to my words^(B) of insight,
² that you may maintain discretion
    and your lips may preserve knowledge.

9 Wisdom has built^(A) her house;
    she has set up^[a] its seven pillars.
² She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;^(B)
    she has also set her table.^(C)
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls^(D)
    from the highest point of the city,^(E)
4     “Let all who are simple^(F) come to my house!”
To those who have no sense^(G) she says,
⁵     “Come,^(H) eat my food
    and drink the wine I have mixed.^(I)
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;^(J)
    walk in the way of insight.”^(K)